City activates notification system

Alerts will warn residents when disasters or probable emergencies are likely to occur

The Tuscaloosa Alert System uses landline telephones, mobile phones and email alerts to issue warnings of a probable emergency or disaster.

The Associated Press

By Jason MortonStaff Writer

Published: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11:44 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | A grant-funded emergency notification system has been activated by City Hall to notify residents and businesses within the city limits of impending hazards.

Facts

Tuscaloosa Alert System

Get the system by going online at https://tuscaloosaal.bbcportal.com or calling Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311.

The Tuscaloosa Alert System uses landline telephones, mobile phones and email alerts to issue warnings of a probable emergency or disaster.

City officials already have added primary phone numbers for residents and businesses that are publicly available, but residents and business owners can provide updated information via the Internet at https://tuscaloosaal.bbcportal.com or by calling Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311.

Some residents may need to create a free account in order to manage the service.

The City Council granted Blackboard Connect, a mass notification company, a two-year contract in February to provide the service. The agreement pays Blackboard Connect $27,737 per year.

Most of the contract is being funded though a 2012 grant awarded to the city by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Terms of the grant, which covers 75 percent of the cost, required the city to form a committee and select a qualified company.

From six firms that responded to the city’s request for proposals, two were selected as finalists.

City officials have said that Blackboard Connect was the unanimous choice to provide the service because it was able to meet all of the selection committee’s criteria.

The system can be used to alert residents citywide or narrowed to notify those only within a set area or region.

And residents can specify which modes of communication they wish to receive and at which phone number or email address.

The notifications are available in English and Spanish and can be tied to whichever address a resident provides. This means those living outside Tuscaloosa but working within the city limits will be able to sign up for the service using their employer’s address.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | A grant-funded emergency notification system has been activated by City Hall to notify residents and businesses within the city limits of impending hazards.</p><p>The Tuscaloosa Alert System uses landline telephones, mobile phones and email alerts to issue warnings of a probable emergency or disaster. </p><p>City officials already have added primary phone numbers for residents and businesses that are publicly available, but residents and business owners can provide updated information via the Internet at https://tuscaloosaal.bbcportal.com or by calling Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311.</p><p>Some residents may need to create a free account in order to manage the service.</p><p>The City Council granted Blackboard Connect, a mass notification company, a two-year contract in February to provide the service. The agreement pays Blackboard Connect $27,737 per year.</p><p>Most of the contract is being funded though a 2012 grant awarded to the city by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Terms of the grant, which covers 75 percent of the cost, required the city to form a committee and select a qualified company.</p><p>From six firms that responded to the city's request for proposals, two were selected as finalists.</p><p>City officials have said that Blackboard Connect was the unanimous choice to provide the service because it was able to meet all of the selection committee's criteria.</p><p>The system can be used to alert residents citywide or narrowed to notify those only within a set area or region.</p><p>And residents can specify which modes of communication they wish to receive and at which phone number or email address.</p><p>The notifications are available in English and Spanish and can be tied to whichever address a resident provides. This means those living outside Tuscaloosa but working within the city limits will be able to sign up for the service using their employer's address.</p>